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The role of self-compassion in the relationship between resilience and negative affect
Abstract Third-wave psychotherapeutic approaches, which emphasise acceptance and mindfulness, have shown effectiveness in alleviating negative affect. This study examined the role of self-compassion in the relationship between resilience and negative affect, including symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. A cross-sectional design was employed with 494 adults from the general population. Participants completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). Regression analyses indicated that higher resilience was associated with lower levels of negative affect and self-compassion was significantly correlated with both resilience and negative affect. Mediation analyses revealed a significant indirect effect, suggesting that self-compassion is associated with a portion of the variance in the relationship between resilience and negative affect. These findings highlight a notable association between self-compassion, resilience, and emotional distress, suggesting that self-compassion may be a relevant construct for interventions aimed at enhancing psychological wellbeing.
Additive manufacturing of cellulose-based photopolymerizable resin with high strength and shape-memory
Efficacy and safety of rimegepant 75 mg orally disintegrating tablet for the acute treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis in adults: Results from a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 2/3 trial
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) activation could play a causal role in the pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a long-term inflammatory disease of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of rimegepant 75 mg orally disintegrating tablet, a CGRP receptor antagonist, versus placebo for acute treatment of CRS. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 2/3 trial enrolled adults with CRS in the United States. Participants were randomized 1:1 to rimegepant or placebo stratified by the presence or absence of nasal polyps. Participants were dispensed a single dose of study drug administered when they experienced a qualifying facial pain/pressure/fullness (Numeric Rating Scale [NRS] ≥6). The primary efficacy endpoint was a change from baseline [CFB] at 2 hours post dose in the intensity of facial pain/pressure/fullness) with baseline NRS score ≥6. Secondary endpoints included a CFB at 2 hours post dose in the NRS score for nasal obstruction/congestion and nasal discharge, and Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS); proportion of participants reporting headache pain relief at 2 hours post dose; and proportion of participants using rescue medication within 24 hours post dose. Efficacy outcomes were evaluated using a linear model. Of 261 participants (mean age: 49.3 years) randomized to rimegepant (n = 131) or placebo (n = 130), 96 and 100 had evaluable data for efficacy analyses. No significant treatment differences (P > 0.05) were observed between groups for the primary (CFB at 2 hours post dose in the NRS score for intensity of facial pain/pressure/fullness, least-squares mean difference [95% CI] −0.1 [−0.7, 0.5]) and secondary outcomes. There were no serious safety findings. To our knowledge, this study is the first to explore the use of CGRP receptor antagonists for CRS. Although no treatment differences were identified, the findings could contribute to the design of future clinical trials and better disease understanding. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05248997 .
Algorithm-Empowered Photocontrolled DNA Origami Nanostructures for Information Encryption
Reconfigurable magneto-optical diffractive neural network with enhanced optical phase modulation
Metamaterials and Fluid Flows
Multi-index analysis of climate change events recorded by loess-paleosol deposits in the upper Hanjiang River valley since MIS 3
The upper Hanjiang River basin has been an important area for human life and production since ancient times. Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS 3) is a special period of relatively warm and humid climate during the last glacial period. However, the climate record of MIS 3 in this region, especially the difference of chemical weathering characteristics between this region and the northern Loess Plateau, remains unclear. An in-depth field investigation was conducted in this study on the upper Hanjiang River valley and we found a typical loess-paleosol profile named Tuojiawan (TJW). Multi-proxy indicators including sedimentology, chronology, magnetic susceptibility, grain size, and geochemistry were used to analyze the climate change characteristics. The results show that the stratigraphic consists of fluvial deposits (T 1 -al1), interaction layer (T 1 -al2), Malan loess (L 1-3 ), paleosol (L 1-S2 ), Malan loess (L 1-2 ), paleosol (L 1-S1 ), Malan loess (L 1-1 ), transitional loess (L t ), paleosol (S 0 ), recent loess (L 0 ), and modern soil (MS). The pedogenic intensity varies significantly in different layers and presents a tendency of S 0 > L 1-S2 > L 1-S1 > L t > L 1 (L 1-1 , L 1-2 , L 1-3 ). This indicates that MIS 3 is not a continuously dry and cold stage. TJW profile also showed a phase of gradual shift to warm-wet (11.5–8.5 ka BP), maximum warm-wet period (8.5–3.1 ka BP), and a phase of gradual shift to cool-dry (after 3.1 ka BP). Compared with the records of the Loess Plateau, the chemical weathering intensity of the warm and humid event in the upper reaches of the Hanjiang River in the late MIS 3 is different, which reveals the unique response mode of the region to global climate change and may be controlled by different monsoon subsystems.
Dual Redox Shuttles Drive Efficient Formamide Electrosynthesis
The Arctic vegetation is more sensitive to heatwave-induced photosynthetic decline than other climate zones in Europe (2009–2017)
Abstract This study shows that the photosynthesis of Arctic terrestrial plants is more vulnerable and sensitive to heatwaves’ impacts than plants in other European climate zones. The results of this study indicate distinct effects of heatwaves among different climate zones in Europe (2009–2017). The Arctic climate zone shows a steeper decline in photosynthesis during heatwaves, as revealed by geographically and temporally weighted regression analysis based on biophysical factors such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and Leaf Area Index, compared to arid, temperate, and cold climate zones. As Arctic temperatures continue to rise, it would lead to photosynthetic inhibition from Arctic terrestrial plants, irreversibly turning them into one of the largest CO 2 sources. The results of this study are expected to be a valuable reference as they provide European-wide quantitative evidence that global warming has caused comparably stronger negative consequences on the photosynthetic physiology of plants living in the Arctic compared to other climatic zones.
A hormetic transcriptional program coregulates invasion, proliferation and dormancy to define metastatic potential
Effect of home-based isometric handgrip exercise with a commercially available device on blood pressure in older adults with hypertension: A randomized controlled trial
Background Isometric handgrip exercise may help reduce blood pressure, but its effectiveness using inexpensive, home-based devices remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of home-based isometric handgrip exercise on resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) in hypertensive older adults. Secondary outcomes included diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), grip strength, safety, and satisfaction. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Comprehensive Geriatric Clinic, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. Thirty hypertensive participants aged over 60 with handgrip maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of 10–40 kg were randomized into two groups. The intervention group (n = 15) performed isometric handgrip exercises using spring devices at 20–50% MVC. The control group (n = 15) performed non-resistive handgrip exercises. Both groups exercised 3 times/week for 8 weeks (4 sets of 2-minute holds, 1-minute rest between sets). Results The intervention group showed significant reductions in SBP (−7.33 ± 9.63 mmHg, P = 0.011) and DBP (−3.6 ± 5.79 mmHg, P = 0.03). Grip strength improved in both groups, but only SBP reduction showed a significant between-group difference (−8.19 mmHg, P = 0.03). No complications were reported, and satisfaction was high in the intervention group. Conclusion Home-based isometric handgrip exercise using commercial spring devices at 20–50% MVC significantly reduced SBP in hypertensive older adults. It is a simple, safe, and affordable exercise option, suitable for those unable to perform standard aerobic activities.
Borenium Ions as Functional Materials
Analysis and nomograph development for a leaky pipeline carrying plug flow based on numerical modeling and experimental validation
Abstract Leak detection in pipelines transporting gas–liquid multiphase flow remains a challenging task due to complex and inherently unsteady flow behavior, particularly under intermittent regimes such as plug flow. Conventional leak detection techniques, which are well established for single-phase flow, often suffer from reduced sensitivity and false alarms when applied to multiphase systems. Motivated by these limitations, the present study investigates leakage characteristics in a horizontal pipeline conveying gas–liquid plug flow under underwater conditions. A three-dimensional transient numerical model based on the Volume of Fluid (VOF) approach is developed to simulate various leakage scenarios, including different discharge sizes and gas–liquid superficial velocities. The numerical results are validated against experimental data obtained from a dedicated multiphase flow loop. Time-series pressure signals are analyzed using statistical metrics, probability density functions, and continuous wavelet transform techniques to assess their effectiveness in identifying leakage occurrence. Furthermore, a non-dimensional analysis is employed to develop a nomograph for estimating gas release velocity from underwater leaks. The results demonstrate that leakage significantly alters pressure fluctuation characteristics and gas void fraction distribution, with detectability strongly influenced by flow conditions and discharge size. The proposed nomograph predicts gas release velocity with reasonable agreement relative to experimental measurements, highlighting its potential applicability for subsea leak assessment and process safety analysis in multiphase pipeline systems.
Clonal evolutionary analysis reveals patterns of malignant transformation of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the pancreas
Abstract Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are critical precursors to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, a highly lethal cancer characterized by late detection and rapid progression. Here we integrate multi-region whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing to trace the evolution of IPMN, constructing detailed phylogenetic trees to provide insights into subclonal architectures and progression pathways. Our analysis identifies two distinct evolutionary trajectories: one driven by a single ancestral clone, and another involving multiple independent ancestral clones. We further explore the roles of mutational signatures and structural variants in promoting clonal evolution and the emergence of new subclones. Complementing these genomic findings, our transcriptomic analysis reveals unique gene expression profiles and variations in the immune landscape that correlate with different progression stages of IPMN. These insights reveal the complex molecular dynamics of IPMN heterogeneity and progression, highlighting the need to refine early detection and treatment strategies.
Genetic variations and clinical implications of B-thalassemia in Iraqi population
β-thalassemia is a prevalent genetic disorder in Iraq, leading to significant health issues due to reduced hemoglobin production. The DNA sequencing technique was used to explore genetic variations and their clinical implications. Our findings have the potential to inform diagnosis, guide targeted therapeutic approaches, and enhance genetic counseling to reduce long-term morbidity in affected individuals. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 100 patients for analysis. Quantitative measurements included complete blood count (CBC), ferritin, parathyroid hormone (PTH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), 25‑hydroxyvitamin D, phosphorus, calcium, and bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). We detected 18 β-globin mutations in β-thalassemia patients by direct Sanger sequencing, of which two were novel (HBB:c.315 + l08A>G and HBB:c.316-151A > G). Additionally, four mutations (IVS-II-1G > A, IVS-II-5G > C, IVS-I-110G > A, and HBB:c.440A > C) have been previously reported as pathogenic. This research pinpointed four β-globin gene pathogenic mutations as having significant associations with clinical parameters. Hematological parameters (HGB, WBC, RBC indices, RBC count) and biochemical/metabolic markers (phosphorus, PTH, LDH, ferritin, vitamin D3, calcium, ALP) exhibited strong statistical differences ( p < 0.001–0.020) across mutation groups. Bone health markers (BMC, BMD) and red blood cell indices (MCH, MCHC, MCV, MPV) also showed significant variation ( p < 0.001–0.002). In contrast, platelet count (PLT) did not differ significantly ( p = 0.331). These findings highlight mutation specific impacts on hematological, metabolic, and skeletal systems in the studied population.
How Alkali Metal Alkoxides Initiate Organic Radical Reactions
Genome-wide analyses of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates reveal insights into circulating lineages and drug resistance mutations in The Gambia
Abstract Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), remains a pressing global health challenge, with a high burden in West Africa, including The Gambia. Understanding the genetic diversity of circulating MTBC strains is essential for improving diagnosis, surveillance and treatment strategies. In this study, we characterise the population structure and drug resistance landscape of MTBC strains circulating in The Gambia over nearly two decades (2002–2021). We analysed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from 1,803 TB isolates. Lineage 4 (L4) was predominant (67.2%), followed by the West Africa-restricted lineage 6 (L6, 26.6%), with L4 exhibiting greater genetic diversification over time. Drug susceptibility profiling of these isolates revealed that 78% (1421/1803) were drug-susceptible, while 6.5% (119/1803) harboured resistance to first-line drugs, primarily to isoniazid, rifampicin, or both. Notably, 15.5% (282/1803) isolates carried mutations classified as having uncertain significance according to the WHO resistance catalogue. Comparative analyses revealed a lineage 6-specific ethambutol-associated mutation of uncertain significance ( em bC Ala307Thr) occurring at a higher frequency in Gambian isolates than in the broader West Africa region or globally. Structural modelling demonstrated that many first-line drug resistance mutations are located in highly conserved, solvent-inaccessible regions of target proteins, often impacting protein stability, suggesting a trade-off between drug resistance, bacterial fitness, and evolutionary adaptation. Together, these findings highlight the coexistence of globally widespread and regionally restricted MTBC lineages in The Gambia and reveal a substantial burden of resistance-associated mutations of uncertain significance in the WHO catalogue. Sustained genomic surveillance and region-specific interpretation of resistance mutations are essential to support End TB strategies in high-burden settings.
Maintenance breeding and breeding for yield potential both contribute to genetic improvement in wheat yield
The effect of NASM-based corrective exercises on lumbar lordosis angle and selected muscle activity in women with lower cross syndrome: A randomized clinical trial
Background Lower Cross Syndrome (LCS) is a complex musculoskeletal condition characterized by muscle weakness and tightness patterns, typically resulting from prolonged and repetitive activities or inactivity. Objective This study examined the effects of eight weeks of NASM corrective exercises on improving the lumbar lordosis angle and muscle activity in women with LCS. Method This randomized controlled trial employed a pre- and post-test design. Thirty women with LCS were randomly assigned to an exercise group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). The exercise group underwent the NASM exercise protocol. The lumbar lordosis angle was measured using a 30 cm flexible ruler (KEARING brand, China), and muscle activity (gluteus maximus, hamstrings, erector spinae) was assessed via Myon 320 surface electromyography system (Switzerland) during maximum voluntary isometric contraction. The exercise group completed 24 sessions of the NASM protocol over eight weeks. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and ANCOVA. Results The results showed that eight weeks of NASM corrective exercises led to a significant between-group difference in the lumbar lordosis angle (F = 24.82, p = 0.001) and the electrical activity of the gluteus maximus muscle (F = 5.11, p = 0.032). Within the exercise group, significant improvements were also observed in the electrical activity of the hamstrings, the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the gluteus maximus and erector spinae, and the onset timing of the erector spinae activity (p ≤ 0.05). However, in the between-group comparison, no significant difference was observed in the electrical activity of the hamstrings and erector spinae muscles, the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), and the start time of muscle activity (p > 0.05 for most comparisons). Conclusion The NASM corrective exercise program was effective in reducing lumbar lordosis and enhancing gluteus maximus activity in women with LCS. These findings support the use of this protocol as a specific intervention for improving these parameters in the studied population. Trial registration IRCT20240805062660N1, Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT), (March 1 to May 31, 2024).